FILE - In this Oct. 7, 2017, file photo, Georgia tailback Nick Chubb (27) gets past Vanderbilt safety Arnold Tarpley III (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Nashville, Tenn. Chubb is the leader of an unusually deep collection of tailbacks that has powered No. 2 Georgia to a chance for its best start in 35 years when it faces South Carolina on Saturday. A win would give Georgia a 9-0 record for the first time since 1982. Georgia may play as many as five tailbacks against the Gamecocks. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

No. 2 Georgia thriving on deep running game led by Chubb

By CHARLES ODUM

Nov. 02, 2017

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Nick Chubb has been given fewer carries per game this season than at any point in his Georgia career.

He couldn't be happier.

Chubb leads an unusually deep tailback corps that has powered No. 2 Georgia (8-0, 5-0 Southeastern Conference, No. 1 CFP ) into position for its best start in 35 years when it faces South Carolina on Saturday. A win would give the Bulldogs a 9-0 record for the first time since 1982.

Georgia may play as many as five tailbacks against the Gamecocks. The rotation keeps Chubb and Sony Michel, another senior, from compiling huge rushing totals which grab national attention.

That's more than fine with Chubb, which is proof he didn't return for his senior season to chase individual honors.

"I don't want it," Chubb said with a smile when asked Wednesday about being excluded from Heisman Trophy hype. "They can keep it."

Michel took a turn as the top back with 137 yards rushing and two touchdowns on only six carries in last week's 42-7 win over Florida . Chubb added 72 yards with one touchdown.

"They're NFL backs, to be honest," said South Carolina defensive back Chris Lammons. "If we want to win this game, we just have to stop them."

D'Andre Swift, Elijah Holyfield and Brian Herrien have shared carries with the seniors. That depth has kept the backs fresh for the Bulldogs' late-season push for conference and national championships.

Georgia coach Kirby Smart said the group is "probably deeper" than any other he has coached. As Georgia's running backs coach in 2005, his backs included Thomas Brown, Kregg Lumpkin, Danny Ware and Tyson Browning.

"I mean, when you start talking about five-deep, I've been around a lot of good four-man rotations, but five is pretty special," Smart said.

Chubb is the leader. His 4,189 yards rushing trail only Herschel Walker on Georgia's career records. Michel is fifth with 3,040 yards. Each could reach 1,000 yards this season.

"I think we can," Chubb said. "That would be nice to have."

The Bulldogs are determined to establish the running game, even when defenses stack the line against the run. Georgia has the most carries in the SEC and trails only No. 1 Alabama in yards rushing.

As a team, Georgia is averaging six yards per carry despite running against defenses focused on stopping the run.

"It says a lot," said fullback Christian Payne. "That's our mindset going into every game. We're going to run the ball. It really doesn't matter how many people you put in the box, we're still going to try to run the ball."

Even Georgia's receivers are taking pride in the dominant running attack.

"We know the game plan going in," said receiver Terry Godwin. "Once the running game gets started, we can come in with the pass if we need it, but if we don't we can keep running. As far as the rest of the receivers, we love that. That way we get to show off our tailbacks."

Chubb's workload has been consistent with 13 to 16 carries in every game. By comparison, he had five games with at least 20 carries last season.

Even with fewer carries, Chubb leads the SEC with 765 yards rushing and is third with 95.6 yards per game. Michel is fifth with 89.9 yards per game.

Chubb said he feels fresher than at this point last year.

"I feel great," he said. "I feel better now than I did at the end of the season. It's how we've been sharing the load and not playing full games. That also helps. We're doing a good job taking care of everybody."

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AP Sports Writer Pete Iacobelli in Columbia, South Carolina contributed to this story.